Acts 18:3

And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

And {G2532} because {G1223} he was {G1511} of the same craft {G3673}, he abode {G3306} with {G3844} them {G846}, and {G2532} wrought {G2038}: for {G1063} by their occupation {G5078} they were {G2258} tentmakers {G4635}.

and because he had the same trade as they, making tents, he stayed on with them; and they worked together.

and he stayed and worked with them because they were tentmakers by trade, just as he was.

and because he was of the same trade, he abode with them, and they wrought; for by their trade they were tentmakers.

Commentary

Context

Acts 18:3 finds the Apostle Paul in the bustling, cosmopolitan city of Corinth. Having recently arrived from Athens, Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla, a Jewish couple who had been forced to leave Rome due to a decree by Emperor Claudius expelling all Jews from the city. The verse states that Paul lived and worked with them because they shared the same profession: tentmaking. This immediate connection highlights Paul's practical approach to ministry and life, often supporting himself through his trade.

Key Themes

Diligence and Self-Sufficiency

This verse powerfully illustrates Paul's commitment to self-sufficiency and diligent labor. Despite being a highly educated apostle with a divine calling, Paul did not rely solely on the support of others for his livelihood. His practice of working with his hands, making tents, allowed him to preach the Gospel freely, without being a financial burden to the new believers or giving critics a reason to accuse him of greed. This principle is something Paul later emphasized in his letters, encouraging believers to work hard (1 Thessalonians 4:11).

Partnership in Ministry

The shared occupation of tentmaking served as the initial bond between Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla, quickly blossoming into a profound spiritual partnership. Their home in Corinth would become a vital center for the early Christian community, serving as a church gathering place (1 Corinthians 16:19). This verse underscores how common ground, even in secular work, can be the foundation for deep fellowship and effective ministry, illustrating that God uses all aspects of our lives to advance His kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "tentmakers" is skฤ“nopoios (ฯƒฮบฮทฮฝฮฟฯ€ฮฟฮนฯŒฯ‚), which literally means "tent-maker." This term could encompass a range of work involving leather or heavy cloth, such as making tents, awnings, or even sails. It signifies a skilled manual laborer, a common and respectable trade in the ancient world, particularly in port cities like Corinth where there was demand for such durable goods.

Significance and Application

Acts 18:3 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Dignity of Labor: It elevates the importance of honest work, showing that even those called to full-time ministry can and should value practical skills and contribute to society through their labor.
  • Integrity in Ministry: Paul's example demonstrates a strategic approach to ministry, where financial independence helps maintain credibility and prevents accusations of ulterior motives.
  • Finding Community: The shared craft provided a natural entry point for Paul to connect with Aquila and Priscilla, highlighting how common interests can lead to significant spiritual relationships and collaborative ministry efforts.
  • Practicality in Service: The verse reminds us that our vocational skills can be integral to our spiritual journey and service, providing both sustenance and opportunities for outreach and fellowship.

Paul's willingness to "work with his hands" serves as a powerful model for all Christians, emphasizing diligence, humility, and the integration of faith into every aspect of life.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:9

    For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:12

    And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:8

    Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:9

    Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:9

    And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all [things] I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and [so] will I keep [myself].

  • 2 Corinthians 11:7

    Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?

  • 2 Corinthians 12:13

    For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except [it be] that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.
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